Grab handle bracket/airbag igniter retainer

Abstract

A bracket is provided for assembling an airbag unit and interior vehicle components into a vehicle. The bracket efficiently utilizes the limited interior vehicle space to package all necessary components. To achieve this end, the bracket attaches to a frame member. Within the bracket is a cavity for securely holding an airbag igniter unit. The airbag igniter unit is attached, via a hose, to an airbag. The airbag is partially fit into a recess formed in the bracket. The bracket also maintains a mounting face, to which an interior grab handle can be secured. The bracket allows for the existence of an airbag subassembly which includes, the bracket, an airbag operatively attached to an airbag igniter unit, and an interior grab handle. Such a subassembly will improve overall vehicle assembly efficiency by reducing the amount of steps required in assembly, thus making the assembly process easier.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. An assembly bracket for use with an airbag safety restraint system including an airbag and a discharge unit, said assembly bracket comprising: 
       a first base portion for attaching said assembly bracket to a vehicle structure;  
       a second portion extending from said first base portion and adapted for attaching an interior component thereto;  
       a cavity located generally between said first base portion and said second portion and adapted for receiving an airbag system discharge unit therein; and  
       a recessed portion located generally between said first base portion and said second portion and adapted for receiving an airbag therein;  
       wherein said cavity tapers along a length of said assembly bracket for fixedly retaining said discharge unit therein.  
     
     
       2. The assembly bracket of  claim 1 , wherein said first base portion includes at least one extending member for temporarily attaching said assembly bracket to said vehicle structure. 
     
     
       3. The assembly bracket of  claim 1 , wherein said second portion includes a hole for receiving a positioning finger of said interior vehicle component. 
     
     
       4. The assembly bracket of  claim 1 , wherein said second portion includes at least one recess for receiving a mating piece of said interior component. 
     
     
       5. An assembly bracket for use with an airbag safety restraint system including an airbag and a discharge unit, said assembly bracket comprising: 
       a first base portion for attaching said assembly bracket to a vehicle structure;  
       a second portion extending from said first base portion and adapted for attaching an interior component thereto;  
       a cavity located generally between said first base portion and said second portion and adapted for receiving an airbag system discharge unit therein; and  
       a recessed portion located generally between said first base portion and said second portion and adapted for receiving an airbag therein;  
       wherein said interior component is a grab handle.  
     
     
       6. The assembly bracket of  claim 6 , wherein said grab handle includes an interior light. 
     
     
       7. The assembly bracket of  claim 6 , wherein said first base portion includes at least one extending member for temporarily attaching said assembly bracket to said vehicle structure. 
     
     
       8. The assembly bracket of  claim 5 , wherein said second portion includes a hole for receiving a positioning finger of said interior vehicle component. 
     
     
       9. The assembly bracket of  claim 5 , wherein said second portion includes at least one recess for receiving a mating piece of said interior component. 
     
     
       10. A vehicle airbag and interior component subassembly comprising: 
       an airbag;  
       an airbag igniter unit operatively attached to said airbag;  
       a bracket including;  
       a first base portion for attaching said assembly bracket to a vehicle structure;  
       a second portion extending from said first base portion and adapted for attaching an interior component thereto;  
       a cavity located generally between said first base portion and said second base portion for receiving said airbag igniter unit therein;  
       a recessed portion located generally between said first base portion and said second portion for receiving said airbag therein; and  
       an interior component fixedly attached to a face of said bracket;  
       wherein said cavity tapers along a length of said bracket for fixedly retaining said discharge unit therein.  
     
     
       11. The vehicle airbag and interior component subassembly of  claim 10 , wherein said first base portion includes at least one extending member for temporarily attaching said bracket to said vehicle structure. 
     
     
       12. The vehicle airbag and interior component assembly of  claim 10 , wherein said second portion includes a hole for receiving a positioning finger of said interior vehicle component. 
     
     
       13. The vehicle airbag and interior component subassembly of  claim 10 , wherein said second portion includes at least one recess for receiving a mating piece of said interior component. 
     
     
       14. The vehicle airbag and interior component subassembly of  claim 10 , wherein said first base portion includes at least one extending member for temporarily attaching said assembly bracket to said vehicle structure. 
     
     
       15. The vehicle airbag and interior component subassembly of  claim 10 , wherein said second portion includes a hole for receiving a positioning finger of said interior vehicle component. 
     
     
       16. The vehicle airbag and interior component subassembly of  claim 10 , wherein said second portion includes at least one recess for receiving a mating piece of said interior component. 
     
     
       17. A vehicle airbag and interior component subassembly comprising: 
       an airbag;  
       an airbag igniter unit operatively attached to said airbag;  
       a bracket including;  
       a first base portion for attaching said assembly bracket to a vehicle structure;  
       a second portion extending from said first base portion and adapted for attaching an interior component thereto;  
       a cavity located generally between said first base portion and said second base portion for receiving said airbag igniter unit therein;  
       a recessed portion located generally between said first base portion and said second portion for receiving said airbag therein; and  
       an interior component fixedly attached to a face of said bracket;  
       wherein said interior component is a grab handle.  
     
     
       18. The vehicle airbag and interior component subassembly of  claim 17 , wherein said grab handle includes an interior light. 
     
     
       19. The vehicle airbag and interior component subassembly of  claim 17 , wherein said first base portion includes at least one extending member for temporarily attaching said assembly bracket to said vehicle structure. 
     
     
       20. The vehicle airbag and interior component subassembly of  claim 17 , wherein said second portion includes a hole for receiving a positioning finger of said interior vehicle component.